The Amazon Undergraduate Bursary Programme 2027 offers a significant opportunity for South African students pursuing technology-related degrees. This program, managed by StudyTrust on behalf of Amazon, aims to support aspiring professionals in fields like software development, coding, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Beyond financial aid, it provides practical work experience, mentorship, and a paid internship, potentially leading to a full-time Software Development Engineer role after graduation.
Key Details of the Bursary
The Amazon Undergraduate Bursary Programme is open for applications from June 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026. It is specifically for South African undergraduate students who will be entering their final academic year in 2027. A minimum academic average of 65% is required, and applicants must be South African citizens studying at a South African university. A crucial component of the program is a mandatory paid Amazon internship, which can serve as a stepping stone to a permanent position as a Software Development Engineer starting in January 2028.
Fields of Study Supported
This bursary is designed for students in technology-focused disciplines. This includes, but is not limited to, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Software Engineering. Students pursuing studies in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are also encouraged to apply. Furthermore, individuals in other science or engineering programs can be considered if they can demonstrate strong coding skills and a clear aptitude for technology.
What the Bursary Covers
The Amazon Undergraduate Bursary Programme aims to ease the financial burden of higher education. The support provided can be comprehensive, potentially covering costs such as tuition fees, accommodation, and a subsistence allowance. It may also extend to expenses for books and stationery, the purchase of a personal computer, and transportation costs. This holistic approach ensures students can focus on their studies and development.
The Software Development Engineer Career Path
A major advantage of this bursary is its direct connection to Amazon’s Software Development Engineer (SDE) career path. SDEs at Amazon are instrumental in developing and maintaining large-scale technology platforms, creating innovative software solutions, and addressing complex technical challenges. This career is ideal for individuals who have a passion for coding, algorithms, mathematics, system design, and problem-solving, coupled with a drive for innovation.
The Amazon SDE Internship Experience
Successful recipients of the bursary are required to complete a paid internship at Amazon. This internship offers invaluable hands-on experience in a real-world software development setting. Interns may have the chance to write production-level code, contribute to engineering projects, participate in software design discussions, and collaborate with technical teams. They will also learn Amazon’s specific development practices, providing a solid foundation for their future careers. This internship also serves as an assessment period for potential future engineering talent.
Post-Graduation Employment Prospects
The bursary program includes the possibility of full-time employment at Amazon for successful interns upon completion of their studies. Candidates who receive this funding should be open to accepting a permanent Software Development Engineer role if offered, contingent on their performance during the internship. This pathway offers a clear route to a rewarding career in the technology sector with a leading global company.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Amazon Undergraduate Bursary Programme, applicants must meet several requirements. They must be South African citizens currently enrolled at a South African university. Specifically, they should be entering the final year of a three-year degree or the third year of a four-year degree in 2027. Applicants should also plan to pursue Honours-level studies after completing their undergraduate degree. A consistent academic record with an average of at least 65% is mandatory.
Ineligibility Criteria
Certain individuals are not eligible to apply for this bursary. Master’s degree students are excluded from the program. Students pursuing their studies outside of South Africa are also not eligible. Furthermore, non-South African citizens cannot apply. Applicants who do not meet the minimum academic requirement of a 65% average will not be considered.
Strengthening Your Application
To stand out, applicants should use their personal statement to highlight relevant experience. This includes any coding experience, familiarity with programming languages, contributions to GitHub projects, participation in hackathons, or development of mobile or web applications. Explaining a genuine passion for technology, software engineering, and clear long-term career aspirations is also important. Strong academic performance and demonstrated problem-solving abilities, supported by evidence of technical projects, can significantly improve an applicant’s chances.
Required Documentation
Prospective applicants need to prepare a set of essential documents for their application. This typically includes a South African ID document, academic transcripts detailing past performance, and proof of university registration. A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is also required. Applicants should be prepared to submit any additional documents that may be requested during the online application process.
Application Process
The application for the Amazon Undergraduate Bursary Programme 2027 is to be submitted through the StudyTrust online application platform. Interested students should first create or log into their StudyTrust profile. They will then need to complete all sections of the application form, providing accurate personal and academic information. All required supporting documents must be uploaded correctly. It is advisable to review the entire application carefully before final submission to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications for the Amazon Undergraduate Bursary Programme 2027 is September 30, 2026. It is strongly recommended that applicants submit their applications well before this deadline. This allows ample time to address any potential issues with document uploads or application details, ensuring that the submission is complete and timely.
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